So how do you as a parent, avoid, annoying stylist, upsetting your child and getting yourself stressed? Well this is where your best child psychology skills come into play! Sometimes your child will have unwarranted fears and you have to help to overcome them. Creating trust by taking their concerns seriously is first and most important step. Promising a treat can also help. Best of all is to check in your local area to see if there is one of growing number of new specialized children's salons available. Salon chains like Cartoon Cuts are designed to make hair cut experience more positive and entertaining for small children: toys, video games, specially shaped chairs and specially-trained stylists, all help to ensue experience is more like going to a theme park rather than a visit to doctor.

Home Sweet Home

However, if your child is afraid of hairdresser's, then try to cut their hair at home. They will feel safe and comfortable and you will save time and money. You can do it yourself if you have skills - or bravery. Cutting hair for a child is basically same for an adult, except that a child's hair is usually thin and baby soft. Keep bangs approx. 1/2" from eyebrows. If child's hair is thin, avoid short cuts for now until their hair comes in thicker. Shape around face if you're trying to grow it long. If you don't have any haircutting experience, you might want to seek out a step by step guide on children's hair cutting, or get someone to do it for you.

Putting on Style

Whatever you do, remember that today's media-savvy, celebrity-crazy kids want to look good. Children start to take an interest in their own hair style from an early age; even kindergarten set want to be in-style. They want their hair to be like their best friend or even a television character. Boys that used to be seen only in ball caps are now having their hair bleached and highlighted.

It is traditional in most western countries, to celebrate a birthday with some sort of feast. The most celebrated item is of course cake. After all if there is no cake, it’s not a birthday party!

Ok, now when we think of a birthday cake we most often think of something that has been baked. But there are many other alternatives that can add interest, appeal, excitement, fun and most important of all….the yum factor.

Where I live, we have lots of hot weather….and what do kids love on a hot day…Ice-cream of course.

So what types of wonderfully exciting ice-cream cakes can we make?

You need to decide just how much time, effort and money you want invest in it. You could make ice-cream or just buy it; you can do it yourself or delegate it. You could get kids to help. Whatever you do, you must give some thought to what guests will enjoy.

Personally, my time is very limited, so quick and easy really appeals.

Here is easiest recipe I know.

Choc Cherry Challenge (The challenge is to work quickly enough so that you do not have liquid icecream….the other challenge is not to eat it all by yourself)

You will need: 1-2 cans of preserved, pitted cherries, drained well, reserve juice Gelatine powder 1 tub of vanilla ice-cream, softened slightly. Your favorite chocolate sauce (how much is entirely up to you)

Method